“The Lifecycle was created to give the
exerciser feedback, and that feedback is
some of the same information we look at
today,” says Matt Elsesser, Life Fitness
business manager, consumer sales, and a
Costco member. “Instead of checking for
pulse, like the original Lifecycle did, now
we’re using Bluetooth heart rate monitors
and tracking devices. The need for data is
what started the company, and it’s what
we stand on today.”
Evolutionary cycle
The evolution of indoor cycling has
been ongoing. In the ;;;;s, Life Fitness
introduced bikes with digital readouts as
well as bikes made specifically for home
use. Equipment was enhanced with interac-
BY ANDREA DOWNING PECK
HEN THE LIFECYCLE stationary bike first appeared in health
clubs in the late ;;;;s, a standard
for innovation was established that
;; years later continues to power the Life
Fitness brand’s cutting-edge indoor cycles.
The original Lifecycle, which displayed pulse, calorie and revolu-tions-per-minute readings, was the first
electronic stationary bike. It set the stage
for today’s high-tech models, with biome-chanically ergonomic designs, computerized feedback, customizable training and
touch-screen tablets with on-demand virtual programming that provides one-on-one personal coaching and scenic
worldwide cycling routes.
Life Fitness keeps the
pedal to the metal
Life cycle
SPECIAL SECTION
SUPPLIERPROFILE
COMPANYINFO
COMPANY Life Fitness, a division
of Brunswick Corp.
EXECUTIVE TEAM Jaime Irick,
president of Life Fitness; Mark
Schwabero, president and CEO
of Brunswick Corp.
EMPLOYEES 2,765
HEADQUARTERS
Rosemont, Illinois
WEBSITE lifefitness.com
PRODUCTS ON COSTCO.COM
A selection of stationary bikes,
(including the IC1, Item #1173164,
pictured at right), as well as
elliptical trainers, rowing machines
and more. On Costco.com,
search "Life Fitness" (see current
coupon mailer for offer).
QUOTE ABOUT COSTCO
“Costco picks the best [vendor part-ners] and they get the best value.
Our brand is very well recognized in
the fitness industry, and our home
products are built with the quality
and durability the Costco member is
looking for, so it is a really good
match. That’s why we’re proud to
be a partner of theirs.”
—Matt Elsesser, Life Fitness busi-
ness manager, consumer sales
w
